Surprise: Rolando McClain back at practice

Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain, who was reinstated to the roster Monday after a two-week suspension, was back on the practice field Wednesday. He met with coach Dennis Allen this morning and apparently apologized for what GM Reggie McKenzie said was a series of transgressions that led to the suspension.

I am surprised that McClain is here. And now I see why McKenzie didn’t want to talk Monday. We’ll see what Allen has to say after practice.

They’re not going to say it on the record but teammates are also surprised McClain is back today.

Released CB Ron Bartell had said Tuesday on 95.7 FM The Game that McClain “is actually a good guy. He just needs to grow up a little.” He also wouldn’t hedge a guess if McClain would be back and called it “a hairy situation.”

McClain, the No. 8 overall pick in 2010, has not played well again this season and McKenzie seems to have squandered a chance to to rid himself of a struggling player with off-the-field issues — and save some money.

CBS’ Jason La Canfora reported Sunday that the Raiders are capable of voiding the remaining guaranteed money in McClain’s rookie contract based on the fact that he was suspended. McClain is due a total of $3.6 million guaranteed for the 2013-2014 seasons. McClain has pocketed $20 million already from the Raiders.

McClain, sent off the practice field Nov. 28, reportedly reminded Allen and teammates of how much he is set to make next year.

“Players there, they’re telling me this has been an ongoing problem with Rolando McClain,” Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported two weeks ago. “The tipping point was … Somebody asked him, ‘Do you even care?’ He said, ‘I’ve got four million reasons not to care.'”

The day he was sent home, McClain let out his frustrations on his Facebook page, including his desire to “play for a real team.” He deleted the postings later that day.

In 41 career games with Oakland, McClain has 6½ sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and no fumble recoveries. “He’s been awful … arguably the worst starting 4-3 middle linebacker in the NFL,” NFL Films’ Greg Cosell said. “He can’t move”

McClain was involved in a shooting in Alabama last November when he left the team briefly during the season to attend a family funeral. McClain had been convicted of four misdemeanors in May but he appealed and the charges were recently dropped when the accuser told prosecutors he no longer wanted to pursue the case.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi is out sick Wednesday and safety Tyvon Branch is still sidelined with neck and ankle injuries.